Veteran free agent signees keeping team loose with their antics

They acquired two of the liveliest guys on the team. Along with bringing veteran leadership to the secondary, these two are bringing laughs and an upbeat atmosphere.

Take Delmas, for instance. There was never a doubt whether he’d fit in.

“I think it took Louis three minutes to get comfortable in the building,” coach Joe Philbin quipped. “He’s an energetic, passionate guy.”

And apparently, he never shuts up.

“He’s always making noise,” wide receiver Mike Wallace said. “He keeps trying to come into the offensive huddle. We kick him out every single period. He brings a lot of energy. (I) love a guy like that out there on the field. I think guys feed off of that.”

That’s been proven already.

After safety Jimmy Wilson intercepted a Ryan Tannehill pass in the end zone and returned it for what would have been a touchdown during a recent practice session, Delmas led the defense in an impromptu celebratory dance.

“It’s a fun environment,” Delmas said. “I plan on taking advantage of every opportunity that I step foot on the field.”

As for Finnegan, once regarded as one of the dirtiest players in the NFL when he was with Tennessee, he blends reality with a self-effacing sense of humor.

“I’ve been known as a jerk,” he said with a smile, “so I think ‘jerk’ just adds to the whole factor. You’ve got to be somewhat of a comedian when you’re somewhat of a jerk, too.”

Both Delmas and Finnegan have a chance to be upgrades over last year’s starters.

Delmas, the sixth-year player from Detroit who attended North Miami Beach High School, replaces Chris Clemons, who signed with Houston. If Delmas can stay healthy (he’s battled knee problems in the past) he could be a key addition. He had 64 tackles, three interceptions and two sacks last season for Detroit.

Finnegan, the ninth-year player who attended Milton (Fl.) High School, replaces Nolan Carroll, who signed with Philadelphia. Finnegan, who spent the last two seasons with St. Louis after spending five with Tennessee, only played in seven games last season because of a fractured orbital bone near his eye. He ended the season with 27 tackles and one interception.

But what’s set them apart most right now is how they’re keeping the defensive backs so loose.

“Delmas is always dancing, cracking jokes,” cornerback Brent Grimes said. “The same thing with Cortland. Cortland not so much the dancing, but he’s cracking jokes with Delmas, too.

“They’ve fit right in. it was never like an awkward moment where nobody knew and you couldn’t read the guy. They were cool right from Day One.”

And everyone has noticed.

“Both those guys are just hilarious,” Wilson said. “Cortland just has a certain kind of comedy that always tickles me when he says anything or does anything. Delmas, he’s an outspoken guy, good dude.

“Both of them fly around, they’re professionals and just want to make plays and make this team better.”

Get used to seeing and hearing from Delmas and Finnegan. They have the potential to be fan favorites and media favorites.

“You just try to make this job fun,” Finnegan said. “You do something you love, it’s got be fun. And if these guys see that they can make plays, have good days and bad days, but also have fun doing it, then it’s going to build some good chemistry.”

Earlier this week, Finnegan was asked if he was worried his orbital bone fracture would damage his eyesight. Finnegan said if there's damage it'd be "long term, down the road."

“Right now we’re worried about playing football,” he said. “There it is. Bang. Holla at me.”

And with that the interview was over. Finnegan smiled and walked away, presumably to provide more laughs.